Washington DC Robbery Lawyer

When facing a robbery charge in the District of Columbia, a Washington DC robbery attorney can help you navigate what can be a complicated legal system. Here is some basic information you will need as you being your defense.

In Washington DC, a person commits robbery if, in the course of taking the property of another from his or her person or immediate presence, the individual uses force or violence with the intent to cause the surrender of the property or to prevent resistance. In Washington DC, the intent to steal must be formed either before or during the commission of the act of force.

Robbery in Washington DC carries a potential prison sentence of not less than two years and not more than 15 years. Attempted robbery carries a potential sentence of not more than three years in prison. There is a substantial penalty for committing a robbery while armed with or having readily available any firearm or other dangerous or deadly weapon, including a sawed-off shotgun, shotgun, machine gun, rifle, dirk, bowie knife, butcher knife, switchblade knife, razor, blackjack, billy, or metallic false knuckles. The taking must be by violence, intimidation, putting the person in fear, force, or the threat of bodily harm to any person. A person convicted of armed robbery in Washington DC will be sentenced to a term of imprisonment between five and 30 years, and there is a mandatory five-year prison term for armed robbery committed with an operable firearm.

For a greater explanation of these laws you can read the District of Columbia Official Code.